Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations is a common disorder amongst our population for which numerous techniques have been described. It is thought that by using this novel technique combining a CC and AC repair with a reconstruction will result in high maintenance of anatomical reduction and functional results.

12 consecutive patients ACJ dislocations were included. An open superior clavicular approach is used. Firstly, the CC ligaments are repaired after which a CC reconstruction is performed using a tendon allograft. Secondly, the AC ligaments are repaired using an internal brace construct combined with a tendon allograft reconstruction (Figure 1).

The acute:chronic ratio was 6:6. Only IIIB, IV and V AC-joint dislocations were included. The Constant-Murley Score improved from 27.6 (8.0 – 56.5) up to 61.5 (42.0 – 92.0) at 12 months of follow up. Besides one frozen shoulder from which the patient recovered spontaneously no complications were observed with this technique. The CCD was reduced from 18.7 mm (13.0 – 24.0) to 10.0 mm (6.0 – 16.0) and 10.5 mm (8.0 – 14.0) respectively 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively.

There is some evidence, suggesting to address as well as the vertical (coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments) as the horizontal (acromioclavicular (AC) ligaments) direction of instability. This study supports addressing both entities however comparative studies discriminating chronic as acute cases should be conducted to further clarify this ongoing debate on treating ACJ instability.

This study describes a novel technique to treat acute and chronic Rockwood stage IIIB – IV ACJ dislocations with promising short-term clinical and radiological results. This suggests that the combined repair and reconstruction of the AC and CC ligaments is a safe procedure with low complication risk in experienced hands. Addressing the vertical as well as horizontal stability in ACJ dislocation is considered key to accomplish optimal long-term results.